THE AGELESS ALONSO - by John Crawford

By now I reckon Aston Martin Chairman Lawrence Stroll reckons he’s captured a 41-year-old superman as his number one driver. So far this year, six races and six podiums.

In Canada he scored P2 in wet practice alongside Verstappen; then won his greatest victory this year holding on to second in front of a hard-charging Hamilton.

This highly seasoned racer has brought a diverse set of racing experiences together – Formula One, Indianapolis 500, Off-road racing in events like the Dakar Rally, plus victories in the 2018 and 2019 Vingt Quatre Heures du Mans, as well as winning the 2019 Daytona 24 hours. Martin Brundle says Alonso has an uncanny knack of handling the car’s grip, and says he’s a master of putting the car on the ‘edge of adhesion’.

 

He’s still keen to race, and says he sees a top position on the F1 podium this year, and I think if anyone can do it, then Fernando can, and I hope he does.

 

The combination of Lawrence Stroll’s determination (and money), plus the brilliant engineering and support team Stroll has gathered together in the course of 2022 and 2023, has allowed the smiling Spaniard to push the previously mid-field Aston Martin team to third place in this year’s Constructors Championship.

As I approach my 80th year, he's my F1 hero!

JOHN CRAWFORD